Government Restructuring Threatens Island Councils: Local Tourism in Maldives at Risk

Malé, Maldives — In a move that has sparked widespread concern among island communities and local business owners, the Maldivian government is reportedly preparing to reshape the role of Island Councils, potentially replacing them with a new model centered around “Island Chiefs” and assistants, or significantly reducing the number of elected council members.

For many islands across the Maldives, Island Councils have been the backbone of local development — especially in promoting and supporting the booming local tourism industry. These councils, made up of elected representatives from each island, have played a key role in approving guesthouse licenses, organizing events, maintaining infrastructure, and promoting the unique character of each island to attract both domestic and international tourists.

Local tourism — especially through guesthouses, homestays, and community-led eco-tourism — has become a vital source of income for many islanders, empowering them to become entrepreneurs and contribute directly to the national economy without relying solely on resort giants.

“The success of local tourism didn’t come from central government plans,” said a guesthouse owner from Ari Atoll. “It was the people and the councils working together. If you weaken the council, you weaken the island.”

The government’s proposed model — which reportedly includes the appointment of an Island Chief instead of a fully representative council — is being criticized as a centralization of power, potentially sidelining local voices and undermining democratic governance at the island level.

Civil society groups, tourism entrepreneurs, and former council members are now calling for transparency and public consultation before any major changes are implemented. They argue that any attempt to dismantle or weaken the island council system could set back years of community-driven progress in sustainable development and tourism.

As the Maldives continues to promote itself as a world-class destination, especially through local island experiences, many believe that empowering — not replacing — Island Councils is the only way forward.